It’s entirely possible to study for the ARE 5.0 with just the references in the Handbook. But, that method can be not only time consuming, but really expensive.
A better way is to pick some good study materials. But which one?
That’s what I’m here to answer!
Best ARE 5.0 Study Guides: the Guide for the Overwhelmed series
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The Guides for the Overwhelmed series are our choice for the best study guides for the ARE 5.0.
What’s good about the Guide for the Overwhelmed series
- They’re designed from the ground up specifically for the ARE 5.0, unlike other guides which are just converted from the ARE 4.0.
- They’re written in a clear, engaging fashion without typos.
- They succinctly cover all the important topics on the ARE 5.0, without leaving any content gaps.
- They include practice questions with complete and detailed explanations.
- At $100 for all 6, they’re well priced.
Runner up: Ballast’s PPI ARE Review Manual. While it is a mainstay of ARE materials, the most recent edition is full of content errors and typos. Plus, it has not been updated for the ARE 5.0.
Best ARE 5.0 course: the Amber Book
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The Amber Book course is our choice for the best course for the ARE.
What’s good about the Amber Book
- It contains clear, well-animated videos on all relevant ARE topics.
- It comes with well explained practice questions.
- The lecturer is engaging and explains things well.
- It’s been updated for the ARE 5.0.
Now, the only thing I’d warn people about is that this is a pricey course. It costs $390/month! So, be aware of that.
Runner up: Black Spectacles. These are also an ARE mainstay, but, frankly, they can’t be your only resource for the ARE. They’re just too general.
Best ARE 5.0 practice exams: PPI2Pass
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PPI2Pass is our choice for the best practice exams for the ARE.
What’s good about PPI2Pass
- There aren’t really many good options for practice exams, but these are the best of what we got.
- The questions are more difficult and more dependent on random facts than the ARE, but… they exist!
Runner up: no great runner ups. This isn’t a great option either, but it’s the best of what we got.